Liquor licensees recognized for compliance

"Thank you for being a rule follower," is the message alcohol licensees received from Worcester County Health Department (WCHD), Worcester County Alcohol and Other Drugs Council, and Maryland Highway Safety Office officials during the 12th annual Alcohol Licensee Recognition Breakfast at The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound on Feb. 7.

WCHD Prevention Services Director Marty Pusey points out that the relationship between the alcohol licensees and local and state agencies is a partnership that was formed to protect youth from the unintended consequences of underage drinking. Responsible licensees are recognized for their partnership efforts, particularly as they often act as the front line in preventing youth from obtaining alcohol.

"This is a community approach, and everyone needs to take responsibility for protecting our youth, including the parents, law enforcement and the retailers," Pusey said.

During the past year, local officials conducted compliance checks at 135 of the 296 businesses licensed to sell alcohol in Worcester County. The businesses were chosen at random, and of them, 110 businesses refused to sell alcohol to underage law enforcement cadets.

Home to the resort town of Ocean City, Worcester County constitutes the second highest number of businesses licensed to sell alcohol in Maryland, and officials advise that this may lead some under 21 years of age to erroneously believe the high number increases their odds of obtaining alcohol. However, with nearly a 90 percent compliance rate over the last several decades, the statistics prove otherwise.

"The impression is that they (underage individuals) can come here and get served because this is the beach," Pusey said. "But our stats show that they can't. We have a very high compliance rate in Ocean City, and the retailers work very well with the police departments to ensure that underage youth don't obtain alcohol."

Alcohol licensees who remain unwavering in their refusal to sell alcohol to those under age 21 deserve our respect. Karen Waggoner, Regional Traffic Safety Program Manager for the three Lower Shore counties, points out that retail sales clerks sometimes endure harsh treatment and coercion from underage individuals insistent on buying alcohol.

Waggoner, who has witnessed the aftermath of many underage accidents involving alcohol, commends licensees for standing their ground and upholding the law.

"Peer pressure is hard to endure ? and it's hard to be told you are lame, out of touch, or not cool because you won't serve alcohol to minors," Waggoner said. "But, I want to thank you for being a rule follower. Because you did not serve alcohol to minors, who knows the extent of the tragedies you may have prevented."

Worcester County averages one underage driving fatality each year. Waggoner states that such figures might seem low when we view them on paper - but it's something altogether different when we can put a face on that child, because he or she attends Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill or Pocomoke High School.

"That one fatality ripples through our close knit communities and affects us all," Waggoner said. "So, hold your head up! You are a rule follower, an excellent example, someone who should be proud to be making a difference and saving lives.

The Worcester County Commissioners extend a hearty thank you to all involved in protecting not only area youth but also those who visit our shores each year. Though most of you work quietly behind the scenes, your contributions have not gone unnoticed.